While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to each other, and our neighbors. Watch these stories of faith in the everyday lives of Mormons. You can also meet Mormons here.

Our faith influences nearly every aspect of our lives. Beyond simply believing in Jesus Christ, we try to bring His teachings to life at home, at work and in our communities. Here are a few of the cultural priorities embraced by members of the Church around the world.

We are all spiritual children of a loving
Heavenly Father who sent us to this earth to learn and grow in a mortal state. As Mormons,
we are followers of Jesus Christ. We live our lives
to serve Him and teach of His eternal plan for each of us.

Find a Church

Hi I'm Tatsu

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I grew up in Japan. I'm physically disabled. I am a child of God.

About Me

I grew up in Japan, and I used to go to school for the disabled in Tokyo. I was born with the Gospel and a severe disability, called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. So, my life is totally extraordinary positively. I'm happy! It's beause I know the Gospel which makes me positive and strong. I love my family, my friends, and Heavenly Father. And I'm thankful for every blessings from God!

Why I am a Mormon

Actually, I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, athough some people call the members a mormon. My parents raised me with the Gospel, so I I've known about this church since I was born. I believe in God, Jesus Christ and the teachings. The Gospel gave me hope and made me realize that I am blessed and loved by Heavenly Father. Because of my disability, I came to know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us regardless of any races, disabilities or cultures. Three of my siblings and I are physically disabled and my family have had a lot of trials. However, the scriptures and our prayers have helped us to get over these trials. Heavenly Fathers listens and answers when we pray. I am happy with the Gospel and my disability. I hope many people who are hopeless by their problems or a disability like me will be happy and understand they are actually loved and blessed by Heavenly Father. 'Be not afraid, only believe.'

Personal Stories

What blessings have come through your faith in Jesus Christ?

I'm in wheelchair bound and need a medical care every day. I used to go to school for the disabled and have had pneumonia several times. My parents used to tell me and my brothers about the second-coming and resurrection that when Jesus comes to the earth again our body can be healed perfectly. In the Book of ⅢNephi 17:7, it describes when Jesus came America after He was resurrected, “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.” I often imagined I would play with my family in a park and feel free. I was so excited. When I was a teenager I was really depressed because of my limitation. Amid the gloom I could not tell anyone about my sadness because nobody could understand my unusual situation One day, I was in my room alone. I prayed to Heavenly Father to feel peaceful. Suddenly, I remembered I learned Jesus Christ sacrificed for us at church. I had not felt His atonement was related to me at that time; however, one phrase in the Doctrine and Covenants “he suffered the pain of all men” came to my mind. And I realized it means only He knows my pain and sadness. I still remember clearly Jesus Christ stayed next to me for a while at that time, and I knew He’s my Savior and I’m never alone. I’m thankful for everything in my life including my disability. If I didn’t have the gift, I couldn’t know such precious things. When I feel sad I always pray to God. He always answers my prayer. The Book of Mormon is true because Joseph Smith translated it. He saw God. The Gospel is a hope for me. I know I’ll see my brother and sister who already passed away again with perfect body in heaven. Family can be together forever by the ordinances at Temple. God lives and loves each of us. Everybody is worth in the sight of God.

How I live my faith

I go to church every Sunday, and I like to talk about the purpose of this life. I also like to talk with others about the blessings from our Heavenly Father. I feel happy when I comfort those who are having a hard time by listening to them and sharing my experiences and testimony. I hope those who are having a hard time for some reasons will know how they are loved by Heavenly Father and hopeful for the Gospel. I pray to Heavenly Father all the time. He answers my prayers and comforts me whenever I pray. I also like to read the scriptures. I read the scriptures every day. It helpes me enhance and remember the purpose of this life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where did Mormonism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begin?

People always think about the LDS church starting in New York. In 1820 Joseph Smith received what most often is called a vision, and sometimes, a visitation (I prefer to call it a visitation as I feel that is a more accurate wording) from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. From what we know and learn in the gospel, I believe that he did not dream that this happened while nothing was really there. It was not a vision, or a waking-dream, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ actually appeared to Joseph Smith in a grove of trees. This was the start of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it had been taught by Him from the beginning. So even though we commonly say that the church was 'started' in 1820, the truth is that it was organized on the earth once more at that time. The church and it's teachings have been around since before the creation of the earth. As one learns about the plan of salvation, or as we sometimes call it, the plan of happiness, we learn that God does not change and that the principles and values that we share are eternal. The gospel of Jesus Christ was not started by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to bring back what had been lost. I can't really say when or where the church started, but it was long long ago.
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In the early 1800´s a wave of religious interest known as "The Great Awakening" swept the United States, and with it several new Christian churches. With so many different opinions on The Bible, many people were confused about which church was true. A young man named Joseph Smith lived in upstate New York with his family. They visted several churches and listened to several different preachers, but still came to no conclusion. A Bible passage in the first chapter of James reads "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God," and upon reading this and feeling very impressed by it, Joseph Smith decided that he could only get an answer through God. One day in the spring of 1820, he went into a grove near his house and began to pray. Unexpectedly, he was visted by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who told him that the Church organization Christ established on the Earth, the Priesthood authority to do sacred things, and many simple doctrines had been lost after His death and that of His Apostles. Christ also told Joseph Smith that with time, He would restore His church with the proper authority again on the Earth. After this visit, Christ sent other heavenly messengers inclding Peter, James, and John to lay their hands on Joseph Smith´s head and give Priesthood authority just like it was given in times of old. Over the course of 10 years, the same church that Christ established in His Earthly ministry with all its offices and the fullnes of the Gospel was restored.
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Why do Mormons believe in the Bible?

We believe in the Bible for the same reason every other Christian believes in the Bible! We believe in it because the Bible is the Word of God; it is holy scripture and sacred canon that testifies of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Old Testament was written by ancient prophets who were called of God to preach unto the people of the coming of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind. The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus Christ and contains a record of His baptism, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and, most importantly, His atonement for our sins and our trials in life. The Bible is entirely focused on Christ and is the foundation for Christianity. To The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Bible is fundamental in doctrine as it puts forth a witness of our Savior and Lord.
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